Sicilian Trapani workshop, 17th century. Pair of Baroque reliquaries with fragments of Saint Barnabas and Saint Eugene. Gilded copper and Trapanese coral. Measurements: 11 x 12 cm. In this pair of gilded copper reliquaries with fragments of coral, they present an urn shape in which, protected by glass, the relics (fragments of bone) of Saints Barnabas and Eugene are found. On the back, a lid protects the papal seal that keeps the relic closed. For centuries the cult and veneration of mortal remains and objects that belonged to or were related to holy figures or Jesus himself. This devotional activity has its precedents in Judaism and Hellenistic culture, who used such objects as consecrated elements of worship and even as objects used to awaken the spirituality of the faithful. With the desire to obtain and preserve these elements, objects used to deposit and protect these relics began to proliferate. They usually took the form of boxes, cases, crosses or chests, although they were also often pendants or necklaces to be worn close to the chest and heart of the wearer.